Andrew Davies' scintillating display at Anfield has done his Boro future no harm at all.

The 20-year-old Stockton born defender left no doubts he can do a job for the club at the highest level.

It will give Steve McClaren food for thought as he makes his squad plans for the new campaign.

Davies' Teesside career had looked heavily in doubt when he was eased out on loan to Queen's Park Rangers.

But he was recalled to solve a defensive crisis and has taken his opportunity with both feet.

In fact Davies has used his head as well, and the everlasting memory from Boro's first half performance at Liverpool - Szilard Nemeth's goal apart - was Andrew's blond locks in the air making clearance after clearance.

Skipper Gareth Southgate, whose own remarkable defensive display was the only one to eclipse Davies' effort, enthused: "Andrew has come back into the side and done very well.

"He slotted in nicely at Liverpool and he seemed to win all the headers in the first half.

"With Andrew at right-back and Brad Jones in goal, we had two young players in our defence for what was a testing game. But they were both excellent."

Davies certainly has every intention of making the best of this new opportunity.

He said: "I want to stay here and fight for my place. I would be really upset if I had to leave because I'm from Teesside and Boro are the team I have always supported.

"I want to play as many games as I can for the team."

It's not a straightforward decision for McClaren who has been fielding Davies at right-back, and has so many right-backs to pick from.

Michael Reiziger has generally been regarded as the No 1 this season though he hasn't enjoyed the best of campaigns.

Teenager Tony McMahon won over the fans when thrown in at the deep end and enjoyed a long run in the team, while Stuart Parnaby is also a hot contestant for the right-back spot.

Davies is primarily a centre-back, which is where he was operating for QPR in the Championship.

But, purely from a defensive point of view, he is very comfortable at right-back.

Davies said: "I'll play anywhere just to be in the team. Last season I played ten games at right-back which has given me confidence."

He did well at Rangers who would love to have him back.

Davies added: "I was grateful for the chance to play for QPR and I learned a lot there. I need to look at my options in the summer, but ideally I want to stay here as long as I can because I want to play for my club in the Premiership."

There was a time a couple of years ago when Davies' consistent form helped to push him forward as automatic deputy for Danny Mills.

However his development was badly hampered by a broken leg suffered in a reserve game at Blackburn last season.

Andrew recovered quickly but still took a long time to reach the level of football he had been producing before the injury.